PLANS to restore historic features at a pub devastated by fire two years ago have been submitted.

Richard King is working to rebuild and refurbish The Kings Head in Bradwell on Sea.

The pub was ravaged by fire in September 2014 after an industrial fryer blaze – two days before Mr King was due to complete his purchase.

In February, woodworkers took down the roof timber frames, the front gable and part of the first floor.

Now Mr King has submitted a planning application to Maldon District Council to remove the existing rendered first floor wall finish and reinstate the historic timber framed façade.

The works involve part of the cross wing of the pub which may date back to the 16th century.

The application, put together by Cussen Construction Consultants said: “The wall at first floor level retained most of the oak timber frame although an amount unfortunately suffered fire damage and rot.

“The façade at first-floor level had received a rendered finish possibly during the building of the left hand wing of the pub.”

It added: “Having taken particular care over the sensitive refurbishment of the frame, the applicant feels it would now be a shame to cover it up with a skin of render for the sake of replicating a much later finish.”

Other works would include demolishing the existing ground floor front-facing brick wall and reconstructing it in a new position.

Earlier this year the Standard reported there had been delays to the restoration due to a structural engineer not wanting to take on the job and initial rebuilding works.

This dealt with rot and worm damage to the 550-year-old building amongst other issues.